Fulham, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are poised to go toe-to-toe for a highly respected coach, with all three sides seriously considering him.
Fulham make contingency plans as Marco Silva deal runs out
The Whites are forced to make contingency plans with Marco Silva's long-term future still far from certain.
The Portuguese enters the final months of his current deal at Craven Cottage without signing fresh terms, leaving the club braced for potential upheaval when the season concludes.
Fulham manager Marco Silva reacts
While Silva's future remains unresolved despite guiding Fulham through another solid campaign in the top flight, it is believed that the west Londoners are trying to convince the 48-year-old to stay.
However, Silva is not short of admirers, with Nottingham Forest expressing a serious interest before hiring Vitor Pereira instead.
Media sources confirm Fulham are actively assessing replacements should Silva walk away when his contract expires. They are carrying out extensive due diligence on potential candidates, determined to avoid getting caught unprepared if new deal negotiations break down.
Silva's contract uncertainty mirrors similar situations elsewhere.
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The Cottagers are currently working on a deal.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola also approaches the summer out of contract, whilst Crystal Palace already know Oliver Glasner will depart at the end of the season regardless of results between now and May.
All three clubs share one common target amongst their managerial shortlists, the recently sacked Tottenham boss Thomas Frank.
Fulham, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth eyeing Thomas Frank
Frank emerged available following his brutal dismissal from Spurs earlier this month despite limited time attempting to rescue their relegation nightmare.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank celebrates after the match
His short tenure at N17 ended abruptly, yet industry insiders insist the 51-year-old's broader reputation remains intact.
Palace, Bournemouth and Fulham have each told news outlet TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey that Frank features prominently in their thinking as they prepare for another managerial merry-go-round across the Premier League.
The message from all three clubs proves consistent — Frank represents someone they admire greatly and are 'actively assessing'.
The report goes on to state that Frank remains a 'coveted' coach after becoming 'one of the most sought after managers in Europe' at Brentford, with his disastrous Spurs spell seemingly irrelevant to interested clubs.
Worst Tottenham win ratios in Premier League history Percentage
Glenn Hoddle 36%
George Graham 33.7%
Juande Ramos 27.8%
Jacques Santini 27.3%
Thomas Frank 26.9%
via ESPN
While Frank ended his Tottenham stay as their worst ever Prem boss statistically, his Brentford work speaks for itself.
Frank turned the Bees from Championship hopefuls into established Premier League performers, doing it without a mega budget or superstar signing.
He promoted them, kept them up comfortably, then built them into a side nobody enjoyed facing, all whilst working smart rather than spending big.
That's exactly what appeals to Fulham, Palace and Bournemouth right now.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank during the press conference
None of them possess unlimited resources. All three value managers who improve players, work within sensible structures and don't demand blank cheques every transfer window.
Frank, in that sense, ticks every box.
Fulham particularly need clarity soon. Silva's situation can't drag on indefinitely without affecting planning for next season.
If he's staying, they need him committed. If he's leaving, they need to move quickly to secure a replacement before the summer scramble starts properly.
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